Creating 3D models for autostereoscopic displays (glasses-free 3D) requires special considerations to ensure depth looks natural from multiple viewing angles. Unlike traditional 3D modeling for games or film, autostereo content must account for real-world parallax, occlusion, and smooth viewpoint transitions.
Key Considerations
- Polygon Density & Textures
- Higher detail is needed since viewers can inspect the model from multiple angles.
- Clean topology avoids warping artifacts when displayed on lenticular/light field screens.
- Depth Budget
- The scene’s depth range must match the display’s capabilities to avoid excessive crosstalk or “cardboarding” (unnaturally flat 3D).
- Multi-View Optimization
- Models should be tested across different viewpoints to ensure no broken silhouettes or odd distortions.
Workflow Tips
- Use Real-World Scale – Ensures depth feels natural (e.g., 1 unit = 1 meter).
- Avoid Overlapping Elements – Prevents visual confusion in multi-view displays.
- Bake Lighting Carefully – Dynamic shadows can break immersion if not consistent across views.
Best Tools
- Blender/Maya – For modeling & viewport testing.
- Unity/Unreal Engine – For real-time autostereo previews (e.g., Looking Glass displays).
Future of Modeling for Autostereoscopy
AI-assisted tools may soon automate multi-view optimization, making it easier to adapt existing 3D assets for glasses-free displays.
